Hemitheini
Bruand d'Uzelle, 1846
emerald moths
Genus Guides
6- Chlorochlamys(raspberry looper moth)
- Chloropteryx(Angle-winged emerald moth (for C. tepperaria))
- Hemithea(emerald moths)
- Hethemia
- Mesothea
- Xerochlora
Hemitheini is the largest tribe of geometer moths within the Geometrinae, first described by Charles Théophile Bruand d'Uzelle in 1846. Though containing relatively few in absolute terms, it encompasses substantial . The tribe includes several groups sometimes treated as separate tribes (Comostolini, Hemistolini, Jodini, Microloxiini, Thalassodini, Thalerini), but these are likely and are here retained within Hemitheini pending further phylogenetic study. In some classifications, Hemitheini is reduced to subtribe rank as Hemitheiti.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hemitheini: //hɛmɪˈθeɪnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Members of Hemitheini are recognized by their small size and green coloration typical of Geometrinae emerald moths. Definitive tribal-level diagnostic characters require examination of genitalia and wing venation patterns. The tribe can be distinguished from other Geometrinae tribes primarily through molecular and detailed morphological analysis rather than field characters alone.
Images
Distribution
The tribe has a broad distribution corresponding to that of the Geometrinae, with substantial representation in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Specific range boundaries for the tribe as currently circumscribed are poorly defined due to ongoing taxonomic revision of included .
Human Relevance
The common emerald (Hemithea aestivaria) is a widespread Palearctic and the type species of the type Hemithea. Several genera within the tribe (e.g., Chlorochlamys, Xerochlora) are subjects of ongoing taxonomic revision in North America.
Similar Taxa
- Other Geometrinae tribesHemitheini overlaps morphologically with other emerald moth groups; separation historically relied on wing pattern and male genitalia, but current evidence suggests many previously recognized tribes are with respect to Hemitheini.
More Details
Taxonomic instability
The circumscription of Hemitheini remains in flux. Beljaev (2007) documented substantial taxonomic changes in East Asian emerald moths, and the inclusion of Comostolini, Hemistolini, Jodini, Microloxiini, Thalassodini, and Thalerini reflects conservative treatment of likely groups.
Rank variation
In classifications treating Geometrinae more broadly, Hemitheini is reduced to subtribe Hemitheiti. This rank instability complicates comparative studies across different taxonomic systems.